Anyone going to be in Death Valley between Dec 28th and Jan 1/2?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Uhm, didnt you hear? My iPhone will work on 3G in saline valley now!

I took south pass a few weeks ago and it was in great condition...with a few icy puddles and a dusting of snow in the shade.

I'm going with SOCALFJ, not gonna do it alone. I'd be interested in steel pass, but I'd have to leave right now to be there for the morning to go with some other people. Not having a wench makes things interesting. North Pass has some snow, but has already been tracked thru in/out. and plowed in sections.


Honestly, I dont care how I get in there, or even if I get in there just that I'm out of town for NYE/NY.
 
I'm in Vegas now, was thinking of hitting DV on way home. Only have cell phone and a 60, old tech. PM me #'s and when passing through try calling ya'll

Trey
 
Last edited:
Have fun...stay warm...and be safe! And you better post pics damn it :D
 
1loudLX said:
yeah, deff gonna be cool/cold. might bring my comforter along with my 0* sleep bag. Jack is coming too ;) Pictures? I've only learned from the best (you and sin):D
Click to expand...

Even though it is DV, it will be cold and possibly windy. I am in Tonopah right now, just snowed, wind died down to 20 mph and about 12 degrees. Went into the Death Valley Junction area on Monday, lots of road damage due to rain in DV. Some trails closed. Have a back up plan
 
Started to head in, late start after Hoover Dam, kid decided she wanted to see it. Had late lunch at the Crowbar, Shoshone. Will be going through tommorow, doing some light play around stuff touristy crap, then heading to Ridgecrest to meet old friend for dinner. Driving a blue 60 with roof rack, rtt, arb front bumper. If you see me, stop me or pull up and say hey.


Trey
 
Titus Canyon was still closed (gated) as of this afternoon. Saline Valley Road at 190 is open, the road closed sign has been moved aside and turned around. Lots of traffic coming south(tacos, highlanders,f-series, Buick), so the pass must be clear.

Panamint Springs is out of 89/91 so fill up in stovepipe for 87 at about a dollar less per gallon.
 
Conditions as of yesterday...

Hey all,

I'm back in SF after my few days in the valley. I got into Wildrose/Telescope on Sunday night after dark and headed up Telescope Peak Monday am (snow at the kilns). I then headed to gas up at Stovepipe and the Ranger said everything was closed in the northern area. Titus, N/S Saline, Racetrack, etc. Also, told me there was snow and ice in the Fall Canyon (at the Titus output), but it was dry when I hiked up it.

So, after talking to some other folks about how 'real' the reports were, I made the decision to attempt to get to Racetrack for the night. No issues, no snow/mud and the lakebed was dry Tuesday morning.

After that, I headed down Lippincott, it was in good shape. I have minimal off road experience and it was eye opening but didn't have any issues. I think the 60 did all the work.

Headed out S. Saline to gas up, no snow or mud. 2-3 big water puddles. 1 smooth, the other filled with rocks. Came back into S. Saline to push for Big Pine the next day. I planned to fish the Owen River later in the week.

I camped at the Salt Dunes and hit the Springs in the morning. A few rigs rolled in from Steel so it was open.

I guess I was cocky at that point and made a run for N. Saline. Its blocked! I think a more decked-out rig might make it though. I pushed pretty far up, almost to the pass I think. I was in between the three peaks, the Delorme map calls it Devil's Gate. I hit a spot where I just couldn't pass (31 ATs and a heavy/heavy lift). I was alone and didn't want to get stuck up there.

Anyway, I laid some solid tracks for the next person to attempt! I backed down and ran all the way again to the S. Saline and shacked up in Lone Pine for the night. I considered Steele, but being alone and getting late in the afternoon I choose the known route.

I have some good pics of the rig in the snow up on N. Saline and at the Charcoal Kilns on Telescope that I'll post later. Spent the next day and a half at Lone Pine and Bishop before bolting for home Thursday night.

My first trip to DV but won't be my last. It's incredible out there!

Have a great New Year's!
 
You mentioned fishing...did you get to fish? Fly fishing?

Nice trail/road report BTW! Not sure why the guberment can't be more accurate with their info :mad:
 
Kofoed said:
It is a big area with lots of tourists from other countries. Way easier to tell people a road is closed or gate it than patrol/rescue. View all "reports" with that in mind
Click to expand...


I know...and it actually works in our (back country travelers) favor.
 
Yeah, I agree the way the condition report system works is probably best but was a little frustrating until I figured it out.

Yep, it was flyfishing. I hit the wild trout section of the Lower Owens a great couple of hours. Landed 5 browns, 10-12 inches but I worked for it. It was in the mid-to high 30s and 20-30mph winds!

Good time, in all!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom